Siya Kolisi: South Africa's Rugby World Cup Victory Holds Promise of National Unity Amidst Turmoil
Siya Kolisi believes South Africa's Rugby World Cup triumph can become a powerful force for unity in a country grappling with numerous challenges As the team's captain, Kolisi led them to a captivating 12-11 victory over New Zealand, presenting an opportunity to bring the nation together
Captain Siya Kolisi believes that winning South Africa's second consecutive Rugby World Cup title could bring unity to the country. He expressed this sentiment after guiding the team to a thrilling 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the final. In an interview with broadcaster ITV Sport, Kolisi recognized the challenges faced by South Africa and saw the rugby team as the last line of defense in uplifting the nation.
South Africa's triumph in France took place amidst the backdrop of a high unemployment rate and an energy crisis known as loadshedding. Additionally, the country is burdened with one of the highest levels of inequality in the world, according to the IMF.
Kolisi further emphasized the significance of their victory by stating, "We demonstrate that individuals from diverse backgrounds can collaborate not only on the rugby field but also in all aspects of life. This is particularly crucial because many individuals who come from similar circumstances as mine often feel powerless and divided."
Kolisi, born into poverty and raised in the township of Zwide near Port Elizabeth, made history as the first Black captain to lead the Springboks. He became the second male player, following New Zealand's Richie McCaw, to guide his team to consecutive victories. His journey embodies the seemingly unattainable aspirations in South Africa. After the Springboks' victorious 2019 World Cup campaign, Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation with the mission of reshaping the narrative on inequality in South Africa.
Rugby, especially the World Cup, is deeply connected to the history of South Africa. It is still remembered for President Nelson Mandela's efforts to unite the country after apartheid by publicly supporting the Springboks, who were once seen as a symbol of racial inequality and excluded Black players.
Kolisi emphasized the impact of that historic moment in 1995, stating, "We cannot escape the significance of what the sport achieved. Without it, I would not be here. There were people before me who fought for individuals like me to have the opportunity to play in this team, even though they never got to experience it themselves."
Siya Kolisi has led South Africa to two consecutive World Cup titles.
Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport/Getty Images
"So I have a job to make sure to give everything I can to the jersey to inspire the next generation that they can get opportunities like this," he said
The team's slogan #StrongerTogether, often tweeted by both the team and President Cyril Ramaphosa, appeared to capture a genuine philosophy. Bok's assistant coach Deon Davids explained that their "recipe" of working collectively towards a shared objective can be applicable not only to rugby but to society as a whole.
Despite New Zealand being down to 14 men for most of the match due to captain Sam Cane's red card in the first half, South Africa emerged victorious.
The victory upheld the nation's flawless track record in Rugby World Cup finals, solidifying a historic fourth win and establishing the Springboks as the most triumphant country in the tournament's history.
According to Reuters, enthusiastic Springbok supporter Tshidiso Mnisi credited Siya Kolisi for the achievement, stating, "He did it for us, and so did every member of the team. We stand united as one. As South Africans, we take immense pride in this."
